VASSAR, MI — Emotions ran high at a meeting Wednesday that drew about 200 people who wanted to know more about the possibility that unauthorized Central American immigrant teens will be housed at a youth facility in Vassar.

Wolverine Human Services' Pioneer Work and Learn Center in Vassar could house up to 120 male teens from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador who fled to the U.S. to escape violence in their home countries.

Grosse Pointe Park-based Wolverine is negotiating a contract with Heartland Alliance, an anti-poverty organization in Chicago, to bring the teens to Vassar. The youths would remain for up to four weeks, receiving medical care and basic education, before they are connected with relatives in the U.S. as they go through immigrations courts or are returned to their home countries.

Eight speakers took the microphone at the community-organized meeting, including area residents and politicians. Many expressed dismay and anger at the Vassar facility providing temporary shelter to the Central American teens.

Here's a sampling of quotes from the evening:

"We want to live the American dream for our kids, not some kids who are dropped off in our lap." — Chad Fabbro, a Vassar Township resident

"I'm not here because I am some redneck rube from a small town in the Michigan Thumb. I'm not here because I'm a racist. I'm not here because I'm an old white guy. I'm here because I'm concerned about the federal government, and I'm concerned for my grandchildren and their future." — Lou Smallwood, a Tuscola Township resident

"This is a Christian issue. It's about responding with help, giving and doing our part, and I think most people would view it that way. We have to ask ourselves, are we going to be the good Samaritans?" — Dan Grimshaw of Vassar, a Republican candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives 84th District

"The housing of illegal aliens is violating U.S. laws. President Obama is failing to uphold the Constitution and laws enacted by Congress. ... President Obama would be classified as a domestic terrorist. He is creating an atmosphere of fear and terror." — Tom Wassa of Fairgrove, a Republican candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives 84th District

"It's a failure at the federal level to mind the border and sending mixed messages to other countries ... There are no current state contract prohibitions that would prevent Wolverine from taking in 'illegal immigrant juveniles.' " — State Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville

"This whole thing belongs to Barack Obama. I'm so sick of listening to his lying mouth on television. Let's put the blame where it belongs, right over in Washington, D.C." — Vassar City Council Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Surgent

Tamyra Murray speaks to community members at Vassar High School, 220 Athletic Street in Vassar, Wednesday, July 9, 2014. Neil Barris| MLive.com

"The children are a game to control to the nation. It's an invasion ... If this program is allowed to proceed, it will never end." — Tamyra Murray, an organizer of Michiganders for Immigration Control and Enforcement

"We need to make sure our laws are being enforced consistently. We're law-abiding citizens who want to do the right thing." — Mark Jaruzel, 10-year resident of Mayville

— Lindsay Knake covers education for MLive/The Saginaw News. Follow her on twitter or contact her at 989-372-2498 or lknake@mlive.com. Reporter RJ Wolcott contributed to this report.